Audio Clipping Threshold Estimation for Loudness Without Audible Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio signal processing methods, such as peak limiting and clipping, introduce audible distortion and reduced loudness, and require content-dependent knowledge to manage clipping effectively.
Innovation Solution
An audio signal processing system with a clipping threshold estimator that extracts features from the input audio signal and uses regression or classification processing to determine content-dependent clipping thresholds, controlling non-linear distortion and enhancing loudness while minimizing audible artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If clipping is applied to maximize loudness, then loudness is improved, but audible distortion increases and audio quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the clipping threshold parameter based on the analyzed audio signal characteristics. By adjusting the clipping threshold according to the specific audio content, the system maximizes loudness while keeping distortion below audible levels for each particular signal
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by analyzing the audio signal characteristics and using this information to control the clipping process. The analysis unit detects signal features and feeds this information back to the clipping unit to adaptively adjust clipping behavior, preventing audible distortion while maintaining loudness
2Object-generated harmful factors
If peak limiting with dynamic gain regulation is used, then audible distortion is reduced, but loudness is reduced and pumping artifacts are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an analysis unit as an intermediary between the audio signal and the clipping unit. This intermediary analyzes signal characteristics and enables intelligent control of clipping, achieving a balance between maintaining loudness and minimizing audible distortion without introducing pumping artifacts
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts clipping behavior based on real-time analysis of audio signal characteristics. Rather than using fixed gain regulation, the clipping threshold and behavior are dynamically adapted to the specific signal content, maintaining loudness while avoiding audible distortion and pumping effects
3Power
If content-dependent clipping is applied in music mastering, then loudness is maximized with acceptable distortion, but the method cannot be directly utilized in audio enhancement due to lack of perceptual knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing the audio signal characteristics and determining appropriate clipping parameters without requiring external perceptual knowledge or manual configuration. The analysis unit enables the system to adapt to different audio content autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for human perceptual judgment with an automated analysis system. The analysis unit substitutes for human ears and expertise by objectively analyzing signal characteristics and determining optimal clipping behavior based on measurable parameters
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an audio signal processing system, a loudspeaker and an electronics device. The audio signal processing system having a clipping threshold estimator, which receives an input audio signal and outputs at least one clipping threshold; and an audio processing unit, which receives the input audio signal, processes the input audio signal to control the non-linear distortion added to the input audio signal based on the clipping threshold and outputs an output audio signal to a loudspeaker driver, wherein the clipping threshold estimator includes: an extraction unit which extracts a set of features from the input audio signal; and a regression or classification unit which receives the set of features and converts the set of features into the at least one clipping threshold by using a regression or classification processing.